In a thrilling third Test, New Zealand clinched a historic first-ever series sweep in the Indian subcontinent, defeating India 3-0.
India appeared set to avoid a whitewash while Rishabh Pant was at the crease, but his controversial dismissal dismantled India’s batting lineup, allowing New Zealand to complete an unprecedented series victory. This marks the first time any team has beaten India 3-0 at home in a three-match series.
India played their first three-match Test series back in 1933-34 against England, suffering a 2-0 loss in that pre-Independence series.
With this 3-0 victory, New Zealand becomes the fourth team to whitewash India in a series of three or more Tests, joining England (4), Australia (3), and the West Indies (1). Notably, this is New Zealand’s first instance of winning three Tests in a series, whether home or away.
The match saw India post a solid first-innings total of 263 after dismissing New Zealand for 235. In the second innings, India’s spin duo Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin took eight wickets between them, bowling New Zealand out for 174.
Chasing a modest target, India’s batting faltered, losing five wickets for just 29 runs as Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Sarfaraz Khan fell for low scores.
Rishabh Pant kept India’s hopes alive with a quick 64 off 57 balls, but his controversial dismissal shifted momentum.
Despite efforts from R Ashwin and Washington Sundar, New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips sealed the victory for the visitors, marking an unforgettable series for the Kiwis.